By Emmanuel Obisue
Nigerian troops appear to have delivered a significant blow to the terrorist group led by notorious criminal Bello Turji, following a series of successful strikes between January 20 and 21.
The operation, carried out by troops of ‘Operation FANSAN YAMMA’, resulted in the neutralization of key figures in Turji’s network, including his second-in-command, Aminu Kanawa, and several of his close allies and commanders.
In a statement on Wednesday, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed that troops had eliminated “some of Bello Turji’s most trusted commanders and close associates, including his younger brother, Dosso, and Danbokolo, one of his closest allies”.
“This is a major setback to Turji’s terror network, which has been responsible for numerous kidnappings and attacks across the northwest,” Buba added.
Nigerian Pilot reports that among those killed were several top commanders, including Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, and Bello Buba.
“These individuals were integral to Turji’s operations, and their loss significantly hampers the group’s military and operational capabilities,” General Buba noted.
The assault also targeted fleeing terrorists, with over 24 combatants neutralized near key strongholds in Sokoto and Zamfara states, particularly around Gebe, Isa, and Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
Another notable casualty was Suleiman, a loyalist of the late terrorist leader Halilu Sububu. He was leading a reinforcement team to assist Turji’s camp when he was killed during a fierce firefight. “The death of Suleiman, along with other key figures, highlights the growing disarray within Turji’s camp. We are determined to continue dismantling this network and ensuring the safety of all citizens,” Buba stated.
The military said the targeted operation is part of it’s ongoing effort to eliminate terrorist elements in the northwest, an area plagued by Turji’s group’s criminal activities, including kidnappings and violent attacks. “Our forces are relentless in their mission. We will not rest until these terrorists are completely neutralized and peace is restored to the region,” Buba added.
With the significant reduction in Turji’s leadership, security experts believe the terrorist group’s ability to carry out large-scale attacks will be severely diminished.
On its part, the Nigerian military has vowed to continue its operations until all threats are entirely eradicated.
